Evidence supporting the use of: Sweet Bay
For the health condition: Itching
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Sweet Bay (Laurus nobilis), also known as bay laurel, has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for a variety of ailments, including skin conditions such as itching. The use of bay leaves for itching is primarily based on folk and traditional practices, particularly in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures. Historically, bay leaves have been incorporated into topical preparations, baths, or poultices, where they are believed to possess soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve itchiness and minor skin irritations. The essential oil contains compounds like eugenol and cineole, which are known for their mild antiseptic and anti-inflammatory actions.
However, there is limited direct scientific research validating the efficacy of Sweet Bay specifically for the treatment of itching. Most available evidence is anecdotal or extrapolated from the plant's broader use in traditional medicine. Some laboratory studies suggest that bay leaf extracts have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, which could theoretically benefit itchy or irritated skin, but clinical trials or robust scientific studies on this specific application are lacking. As such, while Sweet Bay is used traditionally for itching, its effectiveness is not strongly supported by modern scientific evidence.
Other ingredients used for Itching
AbrusAgrimony
Allantoin
Aloe vera
Alstonia scholaris
American Liverleaf
Amor seco
anamu
apple cider vinegar
Arani
argan nut oil
Arisaema
Asam gelugor
Asarum sieboldii
avens
babchi
Baliospermum
balsam
Baphicacanthus cusia
Barleria
bentonite
betel
black nightshade
Brazilian peppertree
cajuput
calamus
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
camphor oil
carry me seed
Carthamus
castor oil
catechu
cedar
chamomile
chickweed
cinquefoil
citronella
Clerodendrum trichotomum
cocoa butter
coconut oil
colloid
copaiba oil
cornflower
Cyanthillium cinereum
Davilla rugosa
dendramine
Didymocarpus
divi-divi
Dwarf Nettle
elephant\'s head
emu oil
Erodium cicutarium
eugenol
Euphorbia
European Elder
fang-feng
ferula assafoetida
fleabane
Flueggea suffruticosa
fringed pink
Gardenia jasminoides
geranium
giant blazingstar
golden shower tree
henna
Homalomena
honey loquat syrup
Houttuynia
Hydrocolloid
Indian nightshade
Japanese sophora
Jessica\'s sticktight
Jewelweed
jojoba oil
labrador tea
Lantana camara
Ledebouriella
Leptospermum scoparium
Lesser speargrass
lichen
licorice root
Lophira lanceolata
Lycopodium
Lysimachia
Macaranga indica
Mahonia
mallow
Malva sylvestris
Marking Nut Tree
Marsh Tea
Marshmallow
Matapalo Tree
Matico
melaleuca alternifolia
Myrobalan
Oak
Onosma bracteatum
oriental arborvitae
pagoda tree
Pellitory
Pepper Bark Tree
Peppermint
Plectranthus amboinicus
Plumbago zeylanica
Polygonum
Potentilla
Pulsatilla
Quisqualis
Rhus glabra
Rubus
rue
Sabadilla
Sagebrush
Salvia
Sandalwood
Sandy Everlasting
Sanguisorba
Sapindus mukorossi
Scabrous Gentian
scrophularia root
Self-Heal
Semiaquilegia
Sensitive Plant
sheep's sorrel
Slippery Elm
slippery elm bark
Snakeroot
Soapberry
Southernwood
Spanish Needle
Speedwell
Spikenard
Spilanthes
Storax
Sumac
Sweet Annie
Sweet Bay
sweetgums
Tannins
Tea Tree Oil
Terpinen-4-ol
Thymol
turmeric
typhonium
Vervain
vitamin D
vitamin E
Waltheria ovata
White oak
Winter Savory
Witch Hazel
Wrightia tinctoria
Yarrow
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by Sweet Bay
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Canker Sores
Colds (general)
Congestion (bronchial)
Cuts
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Edema
Emphysema
Fatigue
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Inflammation
Influenza
Insomnia
Itching
Laryngitis
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Pleurisy
PMS (general)
Poison Ivy or Oak
Rashes and Hives
Rhinitis
Scars / Scar Tissue
Sinus Infection
